Dental Technician

                                                       Dental Technician

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental Technicians follow work orders and prescriptions, decide which materials will be needed, and shape fabric or material, repair appliances that may be cracked or damaged, and so much more. There are people that focus on a single duty when doing their job. They mostly work with dentists and have little to no contact with the patient. Also, they make prosthetics for the patients.

Salary: 36,100

Educational requirements:

For someone to become a dental technician a high school diploma is required. The diploma is a minimum and most technicians have them. There isn't an education program that has formal education in this field. Some classes t6hat are encouraged are courses in science, math, computer programming and art.

Dental Laboratory Technician

http://library.thinkquest.org/15569/car1a.html

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental laboratory technicians specialize in different areas of dental and orthodontic work. Their jobs usually include making and preparing dentures, crowns, and braces. They work in dental laboratories, hospitals, dental clinics, and for manufacturers of dental prostheses Dental laboratory technicians:

·       Repair denture linings.

·       Choose and amount replacement teeth.

·       Construct denture frames.

·       Identify needed prostheses repairs.

·       Make and fix braces.

·       Cast plaster dental molds.

·       Clean and polish prostheses.

Average Salary: $22,000 - $33,000

Educational Requirements:

Dental laboratory technicians must have a high school diploma or GED certificate before starting dental laboratory training.

Dental laboratory technicians must attend a community college, vocational school, or dental school to learn their skills. Programs are usually two years in length.

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Dental Hygienist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental hygienists provide preventive treatment for oral health problems. They also educate patients and promote dental health. They may be employed in health departments, nursing homes, hospitals, dental school, or school districts, but usually they work in private dental offices and clinics. Dental hygienists:

·       Screen patients for dentists.

·       Take and develop radiographs.

·       Remove calculus and plaque from teeth.

·       Apply preventive treatments to teeth.

·       Counsel patients on oral health and teach them appropriate dental health procedures.

·       Perform dental office management duties.

Average Salary: $22,000 - $35,000

Educational Requirements:

Dental hygienists must have a high school diploma or GED certificate before participating in dental hygiene education programs.

Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate’s Degree at a community college or private school. To practice, they must also earn a license by passing the Dental Hygiene National Board examination.

Some hygienists earn Bachelor’s or master’s degrees if they want to teach, do research, or broaden their scope into public health issues.

                        Choose The Right!!!  

Dental Assistant

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Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental assistants help dentists provide dental care. They often work in teams with dental hygienists and laboratory technicians. They may work in health clinics, dental schools, nursing homes, and the military, but usually they work for dentists in private practice. Dental assistant duties include:

·       Helping patients feel comfortable during treatment.

·       Taking and developing dental x-rays.

·       Taking medical histories for patients.

·       Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments and equipment.

·       Instructing patients about dental health care to include brushing and flossing.

·       Performing office management tasks.

Average Salary: $14,000 - $25,000

Educational Requirements:

Dental assistants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

They must receive additional training at a community college, vocational school, or dental school to learn their skill. Length of programs varies between six months and one year. To become certified, dental assistants must pass an examination from the Dental Assisting National Board.

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